VFIO Windows on Linux - F16 discharges itself when gaming

[waltercool]

Hey guys,

I been doing some VFIO gaming on Windows (for games with Linux unfriendly anti-cheats) and something I got when playing high demanding game is actually my Framework laptop does lose power while connected.

Do you guys have any idea what could be wrong here? And why the charger is not enough to keep it going?

• Using stock charger (180W?)
• VFIO AMD 7700S + HDMI/DP audio to Windows w/12 cores (AMD website drivers)
• External monitor connected to 7700S with DP
• Nothing special connected to computer except 1x USB SSD for VFIO.
• BAR enabled to VM, but REBAR disabled on AMD Configurator (screen artifacts happens if enabled, no idea why. Resizing bar2 to 8M or less doesn’t help)

Many thanks!

–

Which Linux distro are you using? Gentoo

Which kernel are you using? 6.12.0-rc7

Which BIOS version are you using? 03.03

Which Framework Laptop 16 model are you using? AMD Ryzen™ 7040 Series

[Mark_Hurenkamp]

I believe that is the way things were designed. The 180W power supply is a bit of a compromise between power and size. If you wish to run demanding games for a longer time, you should probably upgrade to a 240W power supply. Some 3rd parties have started to sell those recently (see this thread: A call on 240w adapter - #115 by takaides)

[waltercool]

But if we consider CPU (7080HS) uses 54W max TDP and GPU (7700S) uses 100W max TDP, then it doesn’t make sense.

180W should perfectly handle 154W + ~10-15W of monitor and normal USB devices.

180W should be a problem when you use many devices requiring PD, but under Linux only (no VM) haven’t reached that point, not even with my XR device (extra 20W PD)

[MJ1]

Yet it can.
If you push it and have the GPU.

@TheTwistgibber

We needed to solve for the tricky task of creating an adapter small and portable enough to be a great fit for the Framework Laptop 16 in an integrated graphics configuration while also outputting enough power to handle the Graphics Module with a discrete GPU. 180W covers the majority of use cases while still being extremely compact. If you have a Graphics Module installed, set your OS to maximum performance mode, and run a sustained heavy load, it is possible to draw from the battery while plugged in. If that doesn’t sound like a good tradeoff to you, the Framework Laptop 16 supports 240W USB PD 3.1 power adapters too, so you can configure your DIY Edition without a power adapter and bring your own 240W one instead.

[MJ1]

@waltercool

when you use many devices requiring PD, but under Linux only (no VM) haven’t reached that point, not even with my XR device (extra 20W PD)

Just to mention, the FWL16 only does USB PD input, not output. Few, if any, computers are going to (I know I’m not aware of any). They are not meant to be a high wattage power supply.

[waltercool]

My brother in Framework that’s wrong.

You can actually use those PD USB-C for other devices, but need to follow the motherboard restrictions Expansion Card Slot functionality on Framework Laptop 16

Getting fast charge on my phone and connecting my Vive XR headset works nice.

Vive XR needs at least 4A (20W) to work without external battery.

Now, this PD output may be limited, no idea what’s that value, but supports 20W+ according to my USB tester

[MJ1]

@waltercool

You can actually use those PD USB-C for other devices, but need to follow the motherboard restrictions Expansion Card Slot functionality on Framework Laptop 16

Thanks for the correction with link!
I was thinking about how they say it won’t do over 5 volts 3A. But I forgot, that while that might be the very bottom of PD, it’s still PD.

@waltercool

Now, this PD output may be limited, no idea what’s that value, but supports 20W+ according to my USB tester

You’re getting 20W on your tester? Can I ask which tester you have?
Interesting that 20W is possible. Since it’s a good amount beyond what they say it can do.

but one port from any of these can negotiate 3A over PD.

Iirc Framework staff has said on the forum that it can’t do over 5v out. So it has to be doing 4A for 20W.

[waltercool]

I’m using one of those cheap USB-C cables with tester embedded.

They are terrible, don’t buy those They use power when unused and charging devices restarts randomly.

I’m buying one of those instead. So you can put into any of your favorite USB-C cables and get info when needed only. You can get better prices at Aliexpress.

[MJ1]

@waltercool

I’m buying one of those instead. So you can put into any of your favorite USB-C cables and get info when needed only. You can get better prices at Aliexpress.

Yep. $2.29 free shipping on Alie! https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807288582300.html. Anyone reading in the future, if that one is unavailable, be aware that there is another tester that looks nearly identical, but which doesn’t provide all the readings, volt, amp, watts. I don’t have one of those yet, don’t know how acurate they are, but for $2 it’s worth a shot.